Information about Juncus patens

1. Common (Blue) Rush – Juncus patens (JUN-kus PAT (or PATE)-ens )
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Western coast from WA to Baja CA; marshy areas, seeps, springs, openings in willow groves
with Rosa californica, Artemisia douglasiana, Mimulus spp., Symphoricarpos spp.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial rush mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Dense, clumping perennial rush with upright stems. Foliage attractive grayish blue-green. Leaves have
distinctive groove. Plant becomes dormant in summer with no water. Spreads by stout, branched
rhizomes.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Feb-Oct. Small clusters of dark brown flowers on flowering stalks.
Uses in the garden: Most useful in wet/seasonally wet areas. Good around ponds, dry streams & as an
accent plant. Can even be planted in submerged pots in a shallow pond. Attractive foliage color and
texture – look ‘bog like’ even in dry garden. Good in planters & containers. Easy & dependable color.
Good for barrier to prevent foot travel (sharp-tipped leaves). Would make nice wet ‘meadow’ with it’s
natural neighbors (above). Used by Native Californians for basketry. Several cultivars: ‘Carmen’s Gray’ –
compact, gray-blue; ‘Occidental Blue’ – blue-green, 8-12 inches, fine in ponds ; ‘Elk Blue’ – fine-texture,
blue-gray.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native rushes, water-loving non-native grasses.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (part-shade in hot, sunny gardens)
Soil Any local
Water Tolerates seasonal flooding; OK with summer water to little/no summer water.
Regular watering increases growth.
Fertilizer None needed; organic mulch fine.
Other
Management: Spreading, so may need to contain. Can be sheared to the ground periodically (as
needed; every few years) to maintain, or the dead leaves/stalks can be selectively removed.
Propagation: from seed: easy in spring; 30+ day germination time by divisions: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 9, 11-13, 19-21, 24, 31, 32, 46 12/21/14
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2. Juncus patens
California rush

6. In rain garden, Mother Nature’s Backyard: Gardena CA 2013

7. Seed mass after rain – jelly-like mucilage keeps seeds moist for germination